The Game Ball

I believe that my son had a transformation (for the better) that I can pinpoint to one evening. It was the day that I threw Brandon his birthday BBQ - April 23. Because I was tied up at the party, Brandon's dad took Brady to his baseball game.

As I have previously mentioned, Brady was not exactly thriving in baseball at the beginning like we had expected. He used to love practicing with Brandon, but for some reason when he took the field, he became a lethargic boy who obviously did not want to be out there. After many frustrating games, we finally broke it down for Brady. We wanted him to have fun and enjoy playing, but if he couldn't, perhaps he was going to have to sit out a few games.

After each game, the coach gifts a "Game Ball" to the player of the game who stood out and excelled. Well, the night before this particular game, I think Brady finally understood what we were trying to communicate. When he said his prayers that night, he prayed that he would get the game ball the next evening. So cute, I thought, but it seemed like he was far from earning that honor.

When he woke up the next morning, he told me he had a dream that he had received the game ball. Positive thinking, always good.

Imagine my shock and pride when Brady returned home with the Game Ball in hand. (I was pretty heartbroken that I wasn't there to see it.) Not only was it a powerful testimony builder for a little boy, but it was proof that he can do whatever he sets out to do. His confidence and attitude changed dramatically from that day forward.

He has since gone on to earn one more game ball, and at the end of season party, each player received an MVP ball and trophy.

Here are some photos of Brady's last game as a Brave. Boy, was there a difference from his first game to this last one. We are so proud of our little B.

This little gopher popped his head in and out of his hole, which was Lucy's entertainment for most of the game.




She loved to sit in the dugout with the boys, of course. She was always Brady's biggest fan and cheerleader, either yelling what a good job he was doing, or telling him to hustle more.




Check out that hustle, along with the signature McKinley tongue sticking out